Dog instead of child? - Why four-legged friends have long been fully-fledged family members

More and more people are consciously choosing to live with a dog - sometimes even instead of having children. This trend is no longer a marginal phenomenon, but is noticeably shaping our everyday lives in Switzerland. In 2024, 553,762 dogs were registered - an increase of 36,177 compared to the previous year. In the same period, only 78,256 children were born - 7,658 fewer than in the previous year. This development impressively shows how important dogs are in many families today.

For many people, dogs are much more than just companions: they are a source of comfort, adventure partners, comforters and fully-fledged family members. They are also beloved family members for us. This is exactly where the unique Züripets® concept comes in: a familiar living room-style ambience that combines closeness, security and professionalism.

While other providers often focus purely on safekeeping or use boxes and thus only pursue a functional concept, we focus on something else: a temporary home that meets the highest standards. We work with a very high care ratio so that every dog receives individual attention - a clear difference to traditional boarding kennels.

This promise of quality is appreciated not only by families who want to keep their dogs with us, but also by official bodies. Authorities, owners of medical assistance dogs or therapy dogs and four-legged friends with special tasks trust us because they know: Züripets® works flawlessly, reliably and with the highest level of competence.

Our customers - including busy entrepreneurs, politicians, VIPs, creative people and families - confirm time and again how much their dog enriches their lives. Whether as a structuring factor in everyday life, as motivation for exercise or as emotional support in challenging times: Dogs have long since taken on a role that was once often reserved for children.

The fact that dogs are an integral part of the family is also shown by the increasing demand: according to surveys, around 70% of dog owners in Switzerland say that their dog has the same importance as a child in the family. The willingness to invest in high-quality care and services is correspondingly high. The growing number of inquiries at Züripets® confirms this trend: dog owners are looking for care that goes far beyond traditional boarding kennels.

However, this development places high demands on the keeping and care of dogs. Anyone who treats their dog like a member of the family also wants them to live in an environment that meets this requirement. This is exactly where Züripets® comes in: no crates, no hours on a lead - but loving care, species-appropriate food, play, exercise and 24/7 supervision. On over 16 hectares of local recreation area, the dogs can let off steam while being looked after with care and closeness in our exclusive premises.

Our philosophy is: support instead of excessive demands. We know how demanding it is to combine work, private life and the needs of a dog at the highest level. Züripets® therefore creates an environment in which dogs are not only in safe hands, but also experience real quality of life.

One thing is clear to us: dogs are not "substitute children". They are family - with everything that goes with it. Respect, love and the best possible care. This is exactly our promise at Züripets®.

Züripets® GmbH
Headquater
Boulevard Lilienthal 5
CH-8152 Glattpark (Opfikon)
info@zueripets.ch
+41 44 810 80 00